Oldies On Tour

Well here we are, the last full day aboard the Celebrity Infinity, well not quite on board as we are in Montevideo and have planed a city tour. Anyway, the alarm went off at 0700hrs just as we were completing the docking procedure, up to the Ocean Cafe for breakfast then wait ’till our trip departs around 0930hrs

Everything ran to time and our bus left 0930hrs, sharp. We headed for the old town and drove along 19th July Street, this commemorates the end of their colonial period in 1813. Apparently Uruguay was created on the advice of the British to the Kings of Spain and Portugal as a means to bring peace to the area. The River Plate was the most fought over area in South America due to its position and accessibility for both the Spaniards and Portuguese to get their ill gotten gold out of Ecuador, Peru etc., without having to travel around the horn. We had a stop in Independence Square with the magnificent statue of José Gervasio Artigas, who became Uruguay’s national hero, he launched a successful revolt against Spain, defeating Spanish forces on May 18 1811 in the Battle of Las Piedras. He then led Uruguay when they obtained their independence 1813, below this statue is his tomb.

In 1913 Uruguay hosted the very first Football World Cup, which they won, as a centenary anniversary of their independence, the stadium is still here and naturally we were driven past it.

Next we were driven along their sea front, approx 25 Kms, past several sandy beaches and being Saturday, they’re starting to fill up, swimming and sunbathing after all it is summer here. We were shown the only 6 star hotel in S America, built in 1911 by a consortium of businessmen who wanted to create a place similar to Nice, in the south of France. Quite an impressive building but the inside had a major refit completed in 2006. Prior to returning for a Tango exhibition, we drove around the avenues in the aforementioned areas, the cheapest houses we were informed started over 1 million and rising quickly, as we drove by you could smell some of the wealth!!!

Our next stop was the Tango Exhibition dance, very good but we had been spoilt on the ship as one of the acts were professional Tango Dancers. More interestingly this was held at the house originally owned by the son of an Italian immigrant who made a fortune in property at the start of the 20th century, living there all his adult life and devoted himself to alchemy. Before the dancing we heard all about it, and so can you now! Alchemy was a medieval philosophy and early form of chemistry whose aims were the transmutation of base metals into gold, the discovery of a cure for all diseases, and the preparation of a potion that gives eternal youth. The imagined substance capable of turning other metals into gold was called the philosophers’ stone.

A Closer Look Because their goals were so unrealistic, and because they had so little success in achieving them, the practitioners of alchemy in the Middle Ages got a reputation as fakers and con artists. But this reputation is not fully deserved. While they never succeeded in turning lead into gold (one of their main goals), they did make discoveries that helped to shape modern chemistry. Alchemists invented early forms of some of the laboratory equipment used today, including beakers, crucibles, filters, and stirring rods. They also discovered and purified a number of chemical elements, including mercury, sulfur, and arsenic. And the methods they developed to separate mixtures and purify compounds by distillation and extraction are still important.

After all that we headed back to the docks but we elected to jump off the bus at the old British market, filled today with many restaurants, all selling Bar B Q’d beef, after all this country has a lot of beef on the hoof and it is their main export commodity. We enjoyed a Uruguayan Steak and Beef ribs whilst we were there, washed down with Uruguayan red wine, excellent.

After a short stroll up one of the roads, we headed down to the docks but on the way I was distracted by a pie se of History. As we all know there was a big naval battle here in 1939. The battle of the river plate fought between 3 British Cruisers and the German Pocket Battleship, Graf Spree, resulted in the Graf Spree fleeing into Montevideo Harbour for refuse and essential repairs. As Uruguay was neutral, it could not stay more than 72 hrs and was frightened that when it came out a much larger British Fleet was waiting for her, so after leaving Montevideo Harbour, Captain Langsdorf scuttled her. In 2004 a Team of divers fetched up from the sea bed the Graf Spree’s range finder, apparently this piece of kit back in 1939 was revolutionary and here it is, at the entrance of the Montevideo harbour together with one of her anchors.

Back on board we went up to deck 10 and sat sunbathing round the pool, I watched this 90,000 ship move sideways out of her berth before leaving the Harbour.

Being our last night we had to pack our main bags and leave them outside our cabin; after docking tomorrow morning they will be waiting for us in the baggage hall. We did about 80% of our packing but had to break off to go and watch our last show! the Finale, sob sob!! Laura brand closed the two weeks shows with another fantastic performance, we still don’t know why she didn’t Win “Britain’s Got Talent”.

Back to the cabin, completed the packing though hadn’t closed them as we were running late for dinner; again last night so had to do the necessary with our stewards etc. Again a super meal.

Back to our cabin and this time we completed the cases and put them outside for their collection. Early to bed, up at 0630 hrs tomorrow, breakfast finishes at 0800 hrs and we have to be off this excellent cruise ship by 0930 hrs. Long flight back to UK via Madrid tomorrow, neither of us is looking forward to that!!!!!!!

It is a shame, that we had to change the itinerary due to rough seas, because it means we have had three straight days at sea, plus the two days in the Antarctic, but tomorrow we will be in Montevideo.
We did not rush this morning, as they have a brunch today 10-1pm so we decided not to have breakfast just take coffee in our favourite coffee shop, then head onto brunch later.
Geoff went off to a talk on ships navigation, which he thoroughly enjoyed, I went to the shops and bought a t.shirt.

By midday we were hungry so we went in, well I have not seen such a spread, since xmas day at the Ritz Carlton, Abu Dhabi, it was amazing, ice statues everywhere, with everything you could possible want, two chocolate fountains, one dark chocolate the other white,
Steak, lamb, ham, pork and chicken, salmon, trout,prawns it was just amazing, we found it difficult to choose what we wanted.
After lunch they had an auction of pictures, but as they were prints we decided we wouldn’t bother, well that’s what Geoff told the lady! actually we had no intentions of buying anyway, so we left.
Next was a talk on an icebreaker trip, which we decided to go to, it was ok, but the trouble was the man presenting it, had no personality, but still glad we went.
Pool time,yes it has warmed up sufficiently to go outside, so we had a swim and spent a lot of time in jacuzzi, (Geoff wants one again!)
We listened to the band, then the Zumba classes, then my favourite guitarist, but now it is time for getting dressed for the evening, and going to the show. Tonight it is the Man from Mars, he was brilliant, they did tricks, high wire, hoola hoops, it was a husband and wife team, she was obviously double jointed, as she did some fantastic movements! Another fantastic show.
Now to dinner, I had a t/bone, Geoff had a sirloin steak, the beef out here, is probably better than Aberdeen Angus, they are always so tasty! tender! and cooked to perfection.
After dinner, we strolled around the deck, it was not cold at all, then we came in and had brandy with tea! And listened to Nestor Santurio playing his guitar! he played zorba the Greek! with one of the waiters dancing to it! very good. Think it’s bedtime now….

The clocks changed overnight, we added 1 hour to Uruguayan time, not too sure why as it reverts back when we return to Argentina, ships time normally stays the same unless travelling East/West. Anyway instead if waking up at 0800hrs it was 0900hrs, no difference as Breakfast in the Ocean Cafe goes on ’till 1130hrs.

Following on from yesterday’s cursory look at future cruises, after some thought and discussion, we went back to the sales office, this time with the Far East cruises in mind. They gave us many alternatives, all priced including the inevitable “book now for discount” prices and they all looked very inviting! We will give it a lot of thought over the next few days; watch this space.

With the late start to the morning and the time in the sales office brought us to our first lecture in the theatre. I was looking forward to this one, it was given by the Chief Engineer and all about what makes this Ship move. It was a fascinating talk but unfortunately the Chief Engineer was not very good at presenting, Christine left after about 5 minutes, though I stayed ’till the end. The Propellers are fixed to two pods hanging below the stern linked to an electric motor. These pods can rotate 360 degrees and naturally make this Ship very manoeuvrable in Port etc. there are also 3 bow thrusters so “parking” her into a tight berth is easy peasy. The Electric power generated to supply the these drives comes from two massive gas turbine and one huge Diesel engines. There are also back up emergency generators if needed. One thing I have noticed throughout this voyage is the total lack of vibration and engine noise, I now know why!

We had time to collect a tea/coffee before returning to the theatre to listen to the Argentinian Ice Pilot aboard. He has recently retired from the Argentinean Navy where he was the Captain of their Ice Cutter, so knows these waters and the ice flows very well. Thanks to him we penetrated right into Paradise Bay, many cruises don’t get right into this area, He also recounted a remarkable rescue he was involved in of a German Cargo Vessel caught up in, and stranded by winter ice. Apparently any vessel travelling south within the Antarctica Circle, has to carry sufficient supplies for up to a year, just in case they get frozen in.

Next was “dancing with Officers” where 10 officers and 10 guests have a dancing competition. I think this was probably the funniest show of the 15 days, hardly anyone could do a dance step, there had been no rehearsals and the dance tunes came out of the blue. 6 were eliminated in the first two rounds then the four remaining couples were judged by the audience. Probably the best of them one, but one couple gave the most impressive entertainment, but it was a dance competition.

A cup of tea and cake then back to our stateroom for a rest before dinner; tonight is our third formal night, so hopefully we can fit our frocks and suits and participate. We have booked the USS United States restaurant again for tonight, perfect service, perfect food, perfect atmosphere.

After showering and changing we went to the theatre for the last production show, “I Broadway” ; again this was a very slick show with many changes of costumes frenetic dancing and numerous Broadway Hits. We both have to agree the standard of entertainment in these evening shows is second to none.

We skipped the Martini Bar tonight, as we were hungry, would you believe that? Though we were half an hour before our booking, they had a table by the window waiting for us. Tonight we decided against the Chateaubriand, after all we had enjoyed it twice before! So Christine opted for the Dover Sole whilst I enjoyed the rack of lamb, again great food though tonight we were let down by our wine waiter, we must have offended him the previous occasion as he made us wait whilst serving other tables who had arrived after us; I had something to say, we then got the service we had been accustomed to, but not with the wine waiter, his boss!!!! We were determined to go the full hog and manage all 4 courses tonight and we did but waddled out with our tummies about to explode: Oh dear tomorrow we have to suffer a Brunch!!!!!

We went up to the Constellation lounge in time to have a laugh at the Celebrity Infinity’s take on of Mr & Mrs, three couples from newly weds to long timers, very funny! When the Disco took over we took our leave and off to bed walking through the Casino, this was the only time in our 14 days aboard we saw it busy!

Tomorrow we are in Montevideo, should be fun.

We woke to calmer seas, I cheated last night and took a sleeping tablet, although I did not feel sick, the waves were very bad, and it was difficult to walk around!
We had a late breakfast in the café on top deck, it was very busy, scrambled eggs and salmon today, it was delicious, then we went to the coffee bar and relaxed, Geoff having an Irish coffee, I just stuck to my normal tea, the sun is shinning, and hopefully as we travel north again, it will get warmer.
We then went for a talk with dirk Younkerman, Peter Wasilewski and Mickey Live with question and answers on Antarctica, very interesting! although some of it I did not understand! We were told that we were very lucky with the weather, as the last cruise, were unable to see much, and I have to admit, it was very surreal, glad we came, despite the seas yesterday.
Off to lunch, which I was determined not to eat as much, I had pizza and salad, not sure what Geoff had, but glad I cut back. After lunch we went to top deck, where the ships crew took on the guests, it was very funny, with various different games, which we will be playing back in Spain, so beware! The crew won, although we did beat them at some games.
3pm down to the theatre for a matinee, this was excellent, they started with a guitar player Nestor Santurio, he can almost make his guitar sing, fantastic, then Paul Ricky from the Celebrity Stars sang various numbers, the show was excellent and backed by the resident orchestra.
We then went down to see the future cruise programs, but nothing really appealed, we will wait and see how funds are to see what we do next.
A quick change for dinner, then onto the show, tonight they had Argentina dancers! they did the tango which was amazing! also they showed their skills with their bolas they were amazing! how they didn’t get hurt I am not sure! they also took a cigarette out of one of the audiences mouth! that would have been scary! The shows have all been brilliant, they certainly have some good talent on board.
Onto dinner, where we stuffed ourselves once again, we had a laugh with our fellow Luxembourg guests, the meals are always good, and certainly some good choices, think we will be slimming for the next year…..
Off to bed, good night…

Excellent meal last night but though we were stuffed we still managed to attack our breakfast, with great gusto.

This morning we cruised past the South Shetland Islands, though didn’t see them as there was too much fog, however we did see several icebergs. After yesterday, we are a little disappointed with the weather; fog and 3 to 4 meter high seas, in fact the Captain, in his 1000hrs broadcast warned us all to hang onto the rails around the ship, pretty obvious I would have thought though anyone who keeps saying “awesome” probably needs reminding!!!!!

We had a leisurely morning catching up with our daily logs ready for posting next time we have internet and reading, not to mention our customary morning coffee/tea break at our specialist Coffee Shop on board and today, for the first time, managed to have their carrot cake; it usually goes the moment it is put into the cabinet, no wonder it is excellent.

Midday and still very foggy as we approach Elephant Island, shame but hey, yesterday’s weather was exceptional, today’s is more the norm. We donned all our cold weather gear and went on deck with strict instructions to be careful as the winds were about 70 miles an hour and very cold! We looked at, studied, photographed this big famous rock at the tip of the Antarctica peninsula. Why is it famous you may ask, and why is it called “Elephant Island”, well it was named by one “George Powell” in 1821 because many seals live there and it’s shape, the head of a circus elephant. It is famous because this is where Sir Ernest Shackleton left 28 members of his crew in 1916 to get help after his ship, the Endurance was crushed by the winter ice in 1915. The base the 28 lived on was called “Point Wild” and they lived mainly on Penguin and Seal meat. Shackleton returned 4 months later and saved each member of his exploratory crew.

After so much photography, in the fog, lunch called so off we trotted to the Ocean View Cafe for a light lunch then back to our cabin, it was here, just as we started to leave that the fog lifted and we had a good view of the Island, unfortunately we were out of our cold gear and down on deck 2, where our cabin is situated. If we had got ready and gone back on deck, we would have missed it!!!

Showers and dressed in time for the 1900 hrs show but as the sea had now become rather choppy and the act due to perform did, amongst other things, acrobatics, they had to cancel. To the rescue was David Scofield, he only had 30 minutes notice, the classical pianist who played 3 nights ago, he had a different repertoire to play tonight, but again, he had the audience riveted.

Dinner followed, then back to our cabin, a game of crib, finish the log then to bed; my this cruising is tiring!!!!!

A full day at sea tomorrow as we head north, hopefully to warmer weather.

A lay in, that was good, although my phone alarm went off at 5.45am, as I had forgotten to turn it off, so lights on, fiddle for safe, then switch off, by that time I am awake!
I did manage to get back to sleep, so eventually woke up at 8.15am, so not too bad! We went to breakfast, just the café on top floor, as we want to stop eating so much, otherwise they will have to roll us off the ship! Well we were very disappointed that no ice was

First iceberg spotted

Paradise Bay

visible, we did spot an iceberg at 9.14am, and hoped that was not going to be the total experience!
We finally arrived at Schollaert channel! Then onto Paradise Bay, which was ‘awesome’ according to the American’s on board, every other word that they spoke was ‘awesome’ I have to agree with them, this bay is full of spectacular glaciers on the move. It is not uncommon to see and hear large chunks of ice crumbling from their coastal precipices into the frigid water. Contrary to the impression left by the frosty scene, the Islands are full with wildlife, including whales ( Minkes and humpbacks), seals (crabeater and elephant), three types of penguins (gentoo, aedile and chinstrap). Although we saw penguins and whales, I would not be able to recognise them, and trying to get photos of the whales was impossible with our little cameras, but we did see one whale flip it’s tail up, just like the famous

Paradise Bay

One time the penguins were swimming near the boat, it was like watching dolphins, but they were a lot smaller, they are amazing creatures, and so very cute!
In Paradise Island there are two naval bases ones for the argentines and the other for the Chileans on opposite sides of the bay, the sites are now inactive and primary used as a tourist stop.
Paradise Bay, can only be described as a beautiful scenic place, where it is so peaceful, and calm, we did say a few ‘wow’s’ but mainly just enjoyed the splendour of being there, absolutely Fantastic…..

Antarctica

Our guide said that last time they were here, they were in strong winds, and it was -16 degrees, this time it was just -1degree, it is a dry cold, and we did not suffer at all.
We went to our favourite coffee bar, where they do excellent drinks, plus cakes, we deliberately missed lunch today, to enable us to enjoy, and they were very nice too, we also managed to get a seat by the window, so we continued to

So peaceful and quiet!

watch the whales and the penguins playing around the boat.
Tonight at the theatre they had Laura Broad appearing, apparently she was from Britain has Talent, she made the semi-finals, we would have liked to see who one, as she was fantastic, she sang classical, jazz, and modern, and managed to entertain everyone for nearly an hour, she has an amazing voice.
After the show we went for dinner, this time in the US Restaurant, where you get the full works, back to the old fashioned service, with more staff than guests, you have to pay for this privilege but it is worth it, we both had dressed up, I was in my gold dress that we had made in Abu Dhabi, with a new cardigan that I had purchased on board, and Geoff wore his new suit, (he looked very smart) we had belly pork to start, then chateaubriand, which was cooked to perfection! followed by a strawberry crepe flambé, cooked in front of us! it was delicious! they offered us cheeses and biscuits but we were stuffed.
Later we went to the disco, but didn’t stay long, as we were tired again, all that food and drink I guess!